Real estate
Overview as of September 2026
Overview as of September 2026
Surprising Strength
While the headlines fixate on economic uncertainty, the world's wealthiest buyers continue to do what they have always done — buy. The resilience of luxury real estate, particularly properties in the US$10 million and US$20 million-plus price range, exceeded expectations in 2025 and is expected to sustain that momentum through 2026. So says Philip A. White, Jr., President and CEO of Sotheby's International Realty.
The luxury real estate market continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience even during periods of economic instability.
According to research data, the world's most expensive real estate is concentrated in several key cities with the highest housing costs, which year after year top the rankings for cost per square meter. And cities with the most expensive residential real estate often coincide with financial and cultural centers, attracting wealthy buyers from around the world.
